Children's Book Suggestions | Autism Awareness Month

Some of our favorite books for and about kids with autism, for readers age 4-14. More books can be found in the library's online catalog.

Updated March 14, 2025
LINCC (Libraries in Clackamas County) Oregon City Public Library
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This beach is loud!
Cotterill, Samantha
Paper Book
Patience, understanding, and a soothing exercise saves the beach day when excitement turns to sensory overload. Going to the beach is exciting. But it can also be busy. And loud. Sand can feel hot or itchy or sticky...and it gets everywhere! In This Beach Is Loud...

Picture Book (Age 4-8)

A day with no words
Hammond, Tiffany
Paper Book
An instant #1 New York Times bestselling picture book and Dolly Gray Award winner! A Day With No Words invites readers into the life of an Autism Family who communicates just as the child does, without spoken language. The American Library Association Booklist...

Picture Book (Age 4-8)

My brother Charlie
Peete, Holly Robinson
Paper Book
From bestselling author and actress Holly Robinson Peete--a heartwarming story about a boy who happens to be autistic, based on Holly's son, who has autism."Charlie has autism. His brain works in a special way. It's harder for him to make friends. Or show his true feelings. Or stay safe." But as his...

Picture Book (Age 4-8)

Henry, like always
Bailey, Jenn
Paper Book
A Schneider Family Book Award Winner  A Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book  A NPR 2023 Books We Love Pick A School Library Journal Best Book of 2023  A 2023 Chicago Public Library Best of the...

Early Reader (Level 3)

Slug days
Leach, Sara
Paper Book
Lauren, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (an umbrella term that has included Asperger Syndrome since 2013), navigates the ups and downs of school and home life. School friendships have always been a challenge, but Lauren finds she is exactly the friend a brand new classmate needs On...

Bridging Fiction (Grades 2-4)

Let the monster out
Lucas, Chad
Paper Book
Bones Malone feels like he can't do anything right in his new small town: He almost punched the son of the woman who babysits him and his brothers, he's one of the only Black kids in Langille, and now his baseball team (the one place where he really feels like he shines) just lost their first...

Young Teen Fiction (Grades 5-7)

The fire, the water, and Maudie McGinn
Pla, Sally J.
Paper Book
Neurodivergent Maudie is ready to spend an amazing summer with her dad, but will she find the courage to tell him a terrible secret about life with her mom and new stepdad? This contemporary novel is a must-read for fans of Leslie Connor and Ali Standish. A Schneider Family Book Award winner! ...

Young Teen Fiction (Grades 5-7)

Can you see me?
Scott, Libby
Ebook
A coming-of-age story about learning to celebrate yourself -- and teaching the world to recognize you, too -- perfect for fans of R. J. Palacio's Wonder!"This glimpse into the world of a young autistic girl is astonishingly insightful and honest. Tally's struggles to 'fit in' are heart...

Young Teen Fiction (Grades 5-7)

Speak up!
Burgess, Rebecca
Paper Book
For fans of Click and Brave, this touching coming-of-age middle grade graphic novel debut follows an autistic girl who finds friendship where she least expects it and learns to express her true self in a world where everyone defines her by her differences. Twelve-year-old Mia is just...

Young Teen Graphic Novel (Grades 5-7)

A different kind of normal : my real-life completely true story about being unique
Balfe, Abigail
Paper Book
In this joyfully illustrated memoir, Abigail Balfe recounts her journey growing up autistic and the challenges of navigating the "normal" world around her. This is a perfect book for both neurodivergent and neurotypical kids to learn more about neurodiversity. When Abigail was...

Children's Nonfiction (Age 8-12)

Temple Grandin : how the girl who loved cows embraced autism and changed the world
Montgomery, Sy.
Paper Book
When Temple Grandin was born, her parents knew that she was different. Years later she was diagnosed with autism. While Temple's doctor recommended a hospital, her mother believed in her. Temple went to school instead. Today, Dr. Temple Grandin is a scientist and professor of animal...

Children's Nonfiction (Age 10-12)


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